Marlborough Jobs Fair draws hundreds seeking employment

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
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Marlborough – More than 500 residents responded to the invitation to apply for open positions at 30 local companies at the “Marlborough Works” Job Fair held Wednesday, June 18, at the Marriott Courtyard – Marlborough. Representatives from locally-based companies talked with job-seekers, explained their open positions, and accepted resumes. The successful event, co-sponsored by Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Quinsigamond Community College, was designed to assist unemployed city residents and those looking for a career change.

As she observed the large attendance, City Council President Trish Pope, also a member of the MEDC, said she had mixed emotions about the apparent success.

“It means a lot of people are still unemployed, but it is good that they are hopeful and we are helping them realize there are some job opportunities,” she said.

Engineers, administrative personnel, a wide variety of sales positions, a bank marketing coordinator, and a business development executive for the Better Business Bureau were among the open positions. Several hotels – Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Marriot Courtyard and the Best Western Hotel were looking for new employees in a variety of categories – front desk agents, room attendants, maintenance assistants and restaurant help.

General Manager of Embassy Suites Richard Tomanek, also a member of the MEDC board of directors, was enthusiastic about the event and all it had to offer.

“It certainly is a success,” he said, “and it is encouraging to see how well it all came together and how both sides benefit greatly – we business people and residents needing jobs.”

In preparation for the fair, a Professional Resume and Interview Workshop was held May 20. The workshop, sponsored by the mayor,MEDCand Quinsigamond Community College, had 40 attendees and was quickly sold out.

Since taking office in January, Vigeant has been making it a priority to do outreach with the business community, he noted. Out of 150 companies that he and his team targeted, he has spoken with 120 so far. The MEDC has also established an Ambassadors Program where members reach out to companies to see if there are things the city can do to help them.?

“In talking with [the companies], the number one thing they'se said is that they need more qualified workers,” Vigeant said. “And it's not just entry-level positions, its” everything from entry-level to manufacturing to engineers.”

Vigeant said he was thrilled with the turnout at the fair.

“There's so much need across the board,” he added. “We'se going to continue working hard to help businesses in the city and to help our residents get jobs.”

Other companies participating in the Job Fair included:? Acosta, BELFOR, Boston Scientific, Brookfield Renewable, Citibank, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), Diamond Machining Technology, Gardens Are, Inc., Home Depot, IQuum, Ken's Foods, Inc., Marlborough Hospital, Marlborough Savings Bank, Optos, Power Home Remodeling Group, Quinsigamond Community College, Raytheon, Solar City, Spectrum Microwave, St. Mary's Credit Union, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Universal Door & Window, and VCE.